Western Illinois University: Macomb Campus

I graduated from Kaskaskia College and went on to work in my chosen career field of retail management. Due to my very inflexible schedule I was unable to continue working toward a bachelor's degree. I learned about WIU's BOT/BA program through a radio interview and soon was enrolled. I found the staff in the Board of Trustee's degree program to be extremely helpful and professional. The professors were great and I was able to complete my bachelor's degree thanks to my strong foundation at Kaskaskia College and the excellent program at WIU.

Vicki S. Cook
WIU BOT/BA Graduate July 1996

 

I entered the Board of Governor's degree program in 1983 while assigned to the ROTC program at WIU. The credits I earned helped in earning promotions while I was in the Army. I was assigned to the WIU ROTC program again in 1996 and completed my BA in 1998. While in the Army I had the opportunity to complete college courses at several of my duty stations. However, I was never in one place long enough to earn a regular BA. The Board of Trustees program allowed me the opportunity to earn my BA. I was then able to apply for, be accepted into, and complete a Master of Arts degree in History at WIU. Since then I used my degree to be a substitute teacher in the local community and to hire into a job as a civilian contractor with the WIU ROTC battalion.

Norman R. (Rich) Homan
BOT/BA Graduate May 1998

 

I found Western’s BOT/BA Degree program to be an incredibly rewarding, enriching experience. The program’s flexibility allowed me to sample a variety of courses both on campus and through distance learning. With the BOT/BA degree, I'm prepared to face challenges I otherwise might not have considered.

Sharon Knight
BOT/BA Graduate May 2006

 

My most profound benefit from the BOT/BA degree program was the opportunity to pursue a graduate degree while working fulltime at WIU. The BOT/BA degree gave me a curiosity to continue my studies, and the confidence to approach my job with a new perspective. Not only did the BOT/BA degree change my credentials for employment, it changed how I felt about myself. I was now a scholar, not just an employee. The benefits from a BOT/BA degree are ever-changing and endless. I am eternally grateful for the BOT/BA degree program and to those who advised or guided me along the way.

Louise Reynolds
BOT/BA Graduate July 1996

 

The opportunity to apply and be considered for advanced positions became a reality for me after completing the BOT/BA degree in 1999. I was able to move into a professional managerial position that I felt I was perfect for in 2000 and still enjoy that same challenging yet rewarding position today. I was able to finally finish, what I started so many years before and I feel like I set a great example to my children - to stay the course, and always finish what you start. I'm proud to say my children are now also WIU Alumni!

Shannon Cramer
BOT/BA Graduate December 1999